Charleston's Most Visited Plantation

Welcome to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Magnolia has been selected as one of "America's Most Beautiful Gardens" (Travel + Leisure Magazine), and is the only garden honored with this distinction in the State of South Carolina!

Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has survived the centuries and witnessed the history of our nation unfold before it from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens. So join us here at Magnolia Plantation to experience the beauty of its gardens and its rich history today.

Watch the Magnolia Plantation Videos

William Posey Silva (1859-1948) was a Charleston Renaissance artist. He referred to Magnolia as "The Garden of Dreams" in his paintings of our gardens. Original paintings by Silva hang in the main House.

America’s Last Large-scale Romantic-style Garden

Welcome to Magnolia Gardens. Unlike most of America's gardens, which are formal and seek to control nature, Magnolia cooperates with nature to create a tranquil landscape like Eden where humanity and nature are in harmony. "Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher." - William Wordsworth

Steeped in over 300 years of family history and heritage in the Lowcountry, Magnolia and the Drayton family take pride and responsibility in our community. Our community stewardship is evident through the numerous humanitarian, academic and environmental causes we support. We encourage you to learn more about the local initiatives we support which help preserve the culture and legacy of the Lowcountry. LEARN MORE